Surgical Technologist Salary in Gadsden, AL: $50,129 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Gadsden, AL earns a median $50,129/year (≈ $24.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Gadsden's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $57,030 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gadsden, Alabama, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $50,129 in 2026, reflecting a notable gap when compared to the national average of $68,141. The salary range for this role in the area extends from $38,764 at the 10th percentile to $73,958 at the 90th percentile, which indicates significant variation based on experience and specialty. These figures are informed by estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions. With a smaller market presence—only seven surgical technologists employed in Gadsden—the opportunities may be concentrated within primary healthcare facilities, influencing competition and salary structures in the local job market.
About the Gadsden Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,764 | $18.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,184 | $21.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,129 | $24.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,759 | $29.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,958 | $35.56 |
Median Salary Position
26.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gadsden
In Gadsden, AL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,194 (2026 est.). At $50,129, the local median is 26.43% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gadsden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gadsden Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Gadsden median: $50,129/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gadsden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $51,840 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -26.43% less |
Surgical Technologists in Gadsden, AL earn a median of $50,129 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.43% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% below the Alabama state average of $51,840.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gadsden has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gadsden, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $50,129 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,030 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,860
2025 BLS Actual
$47,561
2026 Current Est.
$50,129
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Gadsden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,860 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,702 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,168 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,589 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,561 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,129 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,836 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gadsden metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 44.7% from $32,860 (2019) to $47,561 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,836 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,976 (60.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gadsden metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,764 – $44,184 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,184 – $50,129 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,129 – $61,759 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,759 – $73,958 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Gadsden
Examining the local job market reveals unique dynamics for surgical technologists in Gadsden. With a cost-of-living index of 87.9, this area offers a more favorable purchasing power, enhancing the overall appeal of the surgical technologist pay in Gadsden, AL. Opportunities for higher compensation are typically found in hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, where intricate surgeries such as those in cardiothoracic and orthopedic fields are performed. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include the complexity of procedures, the need for call coverage, and any additional certifications, such as in robotic surgery, which can command premiums. Surgical technologists looking to increase their earnings may consider pursuing advanced certifications or roles as surgical first assistants, and exploring travel tech opportunities, which often offer improved financial packages compared to fixed positions within local facilities.
More salary data for Gadsden, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,561 for surgical technologistsin the Gadsden metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gadsden is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov